Masters Message April 2020

Greetings my Brothers,

These have been very difficult and strenuous times for all of us. As we must all do our part to stem the tide of this pandemic, I fully support our Grand Master’s decision to suspend all Masonic activities in the Jurisdiction, as painful as that decision was. Although we are not meeting in our lodge room this month, we know that Masonry does not end at the lodge door. As Freemasons, our obligation to care and look out for one another should be our number one priority. This is particularly true in times of danger.

Social distancing is absolutely critical if we are to successfully combat this disease, but isolation can be dangerous as well, particularly for our elderly brethren. I ask that you stay in contact with your brethren as much as possible. Reach out to each other by phone, text, or video. I am assembling a working committee who will be contacting the brethren and coordinating aid for those who are in need of assistance. In the meantime, I ask that each of you avoid unnecessary trips outside your home, particularly if you are 60+ years and/or have underlying health conditions. If you find yourself in urgent need, please do not hesitate to call me.

There is a lot of misinformation that has been circulating about corona virus. Please stay informed and aware of potential scams. Educate yourself about this disease from reputable sources, such as the CDC or the RI Department of Health. Do not give information or money to anyone you don’t know. Do not let anyone gain remote access to your computer or smartphone.

I wish I could predict the future and tell you when this stress and uncertainty will end. I wish I could tell you when thingsn will return to normal. Unfortunately, we do not know, andn that means that it is difficult to plan for upcoming events since they will likely be canceled. I promise, though, to keep you all posted as things develop.

I can tell you that in our last rehearsal, the officers of the Lodge conducted the entirety of the Master Mason degree, and they were outstanding. We hope to be able to confer the Third Degree on our candidates in May.

April’s meeting was also going to be a fantastic one. In honor of our R∴W∴ Douglas Grant’s official (and last) visitation as District Deputy Grand Master, we had scheduled a famous Masonic author from England, Mike Neville, to present on “Crime and the Craft.” Unfortunately, the limitations on international travel have forced the cancellation of his visit. As ordered by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, there will be no meetings held in lodges in April. Only business meeting will be conducted via conference call or by email, and the only business can be conducted is paying the bills of the lodge.

Likewise, our Religious Service to be held at Westminster Unitarian Church in East Greenwich on March 29 has also been postponed. I will let you know when we can reschedule.

Euclid Lodge’s visit to our lodge is still scheduled for May 9th. I will keep you posted on the details as they develop.

On a more positive note, the Wilkens Scholarship applications for 2020 are now available. The scholarship is open to the children and grandchildren of St. Johns Lodge #1P members in good standing, as well as members of Rainbow/DeMolay. If you need an application, please contact W∴Bro. Edward Bertrand or send an e-mail to our M∴W∴ Bro. Secretary. I look forward to seeing you again in Lodge someday very soon. Please keep yourselves healthy and safe, and may the blessings of Heaven rest upon us, our families, and all the brethren in our great fraternity.